His Royal Highness the Crown Prince and Her Royal Highness The Crown Princess participate 28 February - 1 March 2016 in a Danish business delegation to Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh. Royal Couple then travel to Qatar's capital Doha on March 2 to 3 2016.

The Crown Prince Couple will during the visit to Saudi Arabia be accompanied by Foreign Minister Kristian Jensen, Environment and Food Minister Eva Kjer Hansen, health and elderly minister Sophie Løhde. The Business Delegation consists of 44 companies and several Danish interest organizations, including Danish Industry, Agriculture and Food, Health Care Denmark and the State of Green. During the visit to Qatar the royal couple will be accompanied by business and growth minister Troels Lund Poulsen.

During the visit to Saudi Arabia the Crown Prince Couple will attend a series of business activities that have the primary purpose of strengthening trade within sustainability, health, food, education and design.

It's a huge business delegation and entire three ministers travels with the Crown Prince couple.

Jyllands Posten writes today that the Foreign Minister, Kristian Jensen, today in the Parliament has to explain the decision for this commerce offensive to Saudia Arabia - and not least why M&F (being politically neutral) are to go.

The reason is money, very simple. In Germany the government does a little bit of critizising to appease the public but they are still selling weapons to the Saudis claiming that their role in the Syria conflict is too important to anger the regime.
Same in the UK, they court the Saudis all day long, and if QEII has to play her role in it, of course she will.
So forget about all reasons not to go - if there is money to be made, nothing of it will matter.

Of course the Foreign Minister, Kristian Jensen, has said that he will of course point out to the Saudis the Danish government's "concern" in regards to the human rights issues in Saudi Arabia.
- If anyone believe that "criticism" is going to be severe, then I've got a mermaid for sale.

And the opposition takes the moral high ground here, knowing perfectly well they would do the same thing if they were in power...

That Mary who is going to advocate women's rights big time this spring (with DK in general and the government in particular basking in the glory of that) will be ahem... slightly embarrassed by this. Well, let's not go into petty trivialities.

Jyllands Posten writes today that the Foreign Minister, Kristian Jensen, today in the Parliament has to explain the decision for this commerce offensive to Saudia Arabia - and not least why M&F (being politically neutral) are to go.

The DRF is not political, therefore they can't really refuse to go if the Danish government wants to send them, can they? If they refuse to go, they are no longer politically neutral. Or have I got this completely wrong...

Maybe M&F have expressed a personal wish not to go but Queen Margrethe, the boss, has told them to just to get on with it and do their duty.

The DRF can say no.
In principle the government can't dictate them what to do. In reality it would be seen as pretty odd (and not least a major political embarrassment) if the DRF refused a request from the government. The government is after all supposed to know what is best for the country and if that means swallowing a camel or two, so be it.

But in regards to Greece the DRF flatly refused to go to Greece or invite a Greek head of state until the GRF were welcomed back to Greece.
A number of politicians were annoyed about that but no one said that too loud. - Presumably knowing that the public would in most cases be more sympathetic to the DRF than the politicians.

Apart from me personally thinking that Saudi Arabia would long since have been subjected to an international boycott had it not been for the oil, I find the timing unfortunate.
Not least for Mary, because some people cannot or will not distinguish between what is her (more or less reluctant duty) as the official representative of Denmark, and what Mary as the Crown Princess is trying to accomplish in regards to women's rights.
I'd say the government and not least Danish commerce owe her one, big time!

what an interesting visit. it's always interesting to see royal visits to arab countries. just like others here, i also wonder what mary's position in this will be, having to change her women's rights advocate hat midway to court the saudis, or the qataris for that matter.

when will a program be released?

i wonder if the spanish visit to saudi will also carry on now, following the example of the danes.

The DRF is not political, therefore they can't really refuse to go if the Danish government wants to send them, can they? If they refuse to go, they are no longer politically neutral. Or have I got this completely wrong...

Maybe M&F have expressed a personal wish not to go but Queen Margrethe, the boss, has told them to just to get on with it and do their duty.

I agree.
It will be a difficult visit, but not all visits can be to topical islands
I think since Frederik and Mary have demonstrated to be great representatives to Denmark, they were requested to go and really it would be wrong for them to refuse. Im sure they will do a great job

Quote:

Originally Posted by Roskilde

It's a huge business delegation and entire three ministers travels with the Crown Prince couple.

That is an interesting clip. We see here how friendly Mary is facing the press. The respect goes both ways.

A journalist asks:"Crown Princess Mary? There has been a bit of debate at Christiansborg whether it is reasonable that the Foreign Ministry will have the Crown Prince Couple with them to Saudi Arabia?"

Mary politely answer: "Oh, I don't think I should interfere in that, thanks."

Hereafter Mary answers on the following questions regarding to the conference which she just has attended.

BUT before Mary gets into the car, she turns around to say a kindly goodbye to the press, and turns around to the first journalist and almost apologetic raising her hand and saying:

"Sorry, I hope you understand.. (that she can't answer his political question due to her royal position).

It tells about a good cooperation and respect from both sides. Great.

**

According to Lars Hovbakke, who is a lecturer at Copenhagen University and specialized in the Danish royal family's history, the DRF can't - because of their apolitical position - choose where they want to go, or not want to go. No matter if it look to be a bad country to visit. Because it would be an expression of that the Crown Prince couple beginning to meddle in politics in a way that there is not seen before.

It's 100 percent the Government who decides which countries the DRF are going to visit and not visit.
- It's not like the Crown prince couple themselves can decide whether they think it's a good idea or not to visit a country. They simply can't because if they do, when they act political. And they can't.

That is an interesting clip. We see here how friendly Mary is facing the press. The respect goes both ways.

A journalist asks:"Crown Princess Mary? There has been a bit of debate at Christiansborg whether it is reasonable that the Foreign Ministry will have the Crown Prince Couple with them to Saudi Arabia?"

Mary politely answer: "Oh, I don't think I should interfere in that, thanks."

Hereafter Mary answers on the following questions regarding to the conference which she just has attended.

BUT before Mary gets into the car, she turns around to say a kindly goodbye to the press, and turns around to the first journalist and almost apologetic raising her hand and saying:

"Sorry, I hope you understand.. (that she can't answer his political question due to her royal position).

It tells about a good cooperation and respect from both sides. Great.

**

According to Lars Hovbakke, who is a lecturer at Copenhagen University and specialized in the Danish royal family's history, the DRF can't - because of their apolitical position - choose where they want to go, or not want to go. No matter if it look to be a bad country to visit. Because it would be an expression of that the Crown Prince couple beginning to meddle in politics in a way that there is not seen before.

It's 100 percent the Government who decides which countries the DRF are going to visit and not visit.
- It's not like the Crown prince couple themselves can decide whether they think it's a good idea or not to visit a country. They simply can't because if they do, when they act political. And they can't.

thanks for translating! it's nice that mary apologised to the press for not being able to answer their question due to it being outside her zone of power. what did the second journalist ask her in the video, Roskilde? i assume it wasn't anything to do with the saudi trip.

(Entire 25 events on the agenda!! Frederik and Mary will get some busy days )

Quote:

*Sunday, February 28
Visit to the Saudi royal family
The Crown Prince Couple will visit the Saudi royal family.
*Monday, February 29*Opening of business promotion
Kl. 10:15
The Crown Prince Couple participate in the opening ceremony, where about 300 people will attend, including the Danish business delegation and Saudi companies. Crown Prince gives a speech and is responsible for following the official opening of the campaign. After the official opening to the Royal Couple have a work operations among companies in the commercial exhibition and here meeting the participating Danish companies.
*Visit by WAX-seminar
Kl. 12:30
The Crown Prince Couple participates in WAX-seminar to raise awareness of Danish expertise and solutions for water conservation. WAX (Water Alliance Exchange) is a collaboration between Danish companies in Saudi Arabia.
*Visit by Arla
Kl. 12:45
Crown Prince visits Arla on the occasion of the company's opening of a new store in Saudi Arabia. On the business expo, Crown Prince and Princess inaugurate a miniature version of the store, which symbolizes the opening. In miniature version of the warehouse, a number of Arla's local products being exhibited.
*Business Lunch
Kl. 13:30
The Crown Prince Couple participates in a business lunch, which will help to create relationships between Danish companies and Saudi business partners. Over lunch, the Crown Prince HRH series Prince Henrik's Medal of Honour that honors Danish companies and individuals who have made great efforts to promote Danish products abroad.
*
*HRH Crown Princess's program
Meeting with Saudi businesswomen
Kl. 15:30
The Crown Princess participates with health and older Minister in a meeting with Saudi business women.
*
*The Crown Prince Couple's joint program
Dinner
Kl. 20:55
The Crown Prince Couple participate in the dinner that marks the end of the day. During the dinner there will be speeches by Ambassador Ole Frijs-Madsen and health and elderly minister Sophie Løhde.
*

Tuesday, March 1

Visit by King Abdullah Financial District
Kl. 9.45
Crown Prince visits King Abdullah Financial District, which is the new financial district in Riyadh and architects Henning Larsen Architects is behind. The Crown Prince Couple will get a tour of the construction site. Health and elderly minister and the business and growth minister also participating.
*HRH The Crown Prince's program
Visit by King Abdullah Center for Science and Technology
Kl. 11:00
Crown Prince visits with business and growth minister King Abdullah Center for Science and Technology, which is an independent scientific model organization. During his visit, the Crown Prince, among others hear about the challenges that Saudi Arabia is facing in energy and environmental sector.
*HRH Crown Princess's program
Visit by Kompan playground and exercise room
Kl. 11:30
The Crown Princess visits with health and older Minister, the Danish company Kompan play and exercise space. During his visit, Crown Princess display the different play and activity installations.
*The Crown Prince Couple's joint program
Business Lunch
Kl. 12:30
The Crown Prince Couple participate in occupational lunch at the Riyadh Chamber of Commerce & Industry.
*Opening Mercantec event
Kl. 14:00
The Crown Prince Couple participates with health and elderly minister and the business and growth minister in the opening of an event organized by the Danish Mercantec's dealing with the provision of vocational training. The purpose of the event is to create relationships and share experiences, so that over time will create training in Saudi Arabia.
*Visit the King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center
Kl. 14:35
Crown Prince visits with health and older Minister King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, which is one of Saudi Arabia's leading hospitals in research.
*HRH Crown Princess's program
Visit by King Khalid Foundation
Kl. 15:15
The Crown Princess visits with health and older Minister King Khalid Foundation, a Saudi charity headed by Princess Banderi bint Abdul Rahman AlFaisal. The organization's work focuses specifically on violence against women and children and combating poverty.
********The Crown Prince Couple's joint program
Farewell reception
Kl. 20:00
The Crown Prince Couple participate in the farewell reception in the Danish ambassador's residence. The reception will focus on Danish design with the participation of Danish and Saudi business guests.
*
*Wednesday, March 2
*Visit at Maersk Oil
Kl. 14:00
Crown Prince visits Maersk Oil's headquarters in Qatar and is presented Maersk's history and current role in Qatar. During his visit, the Royal Couple will be shown around the office and see, among other One Collaborative Working Environment, which is a special office environment from which all offshore operations controlled.
*Visit at Aspire Academy
Kl. 15:30
The Crown Prince Couple will visit at the Aspire Academy which was established in 2004 and today is one of the world's leading sports academies for children and adolescents. During the visit the royal couple will be informed about the College's work in Qatar and have showcased some of the College's facilities, including an athletics stadium, a football stadium and a swimming stage. The Crown Prince Couple attends the subsequent presentations by the former Danish national team player in football, Ebbe Sand, on a green sports facility and the interaction between green building and sports, health and nutrition.
*Visit at Doha Museum of Islamic Art
Kl. 19:35
Crown Prince visits Doha Museum of Islamic Art, inaugurated in 2008, is the first of its kind in the Gulf region. During his visit, the Royal Couple get a tour of the museum's art collection, which represents Islamic art dating from the seventh to nineteenth century, and thus gives an insight into the local culture and history. The museum contains among other things a library and classrooms.
*Business Dinner
Kl. 20:00
The Crown Prince Couple participates in a business dinner for the Danish business community in Qatar and local decision-makers in private companies and public institutions. During dinner Crown Prince HRH series Prince Henrik's Medal of Honour and Export Association Diploma.
**
Thursday, March 3
*HRH Crown Princess's program
Visit by Qatar Foundation
Kl. 8.20
The Crown Princess visits by Qatar Foundation, working in education, and science and the development of society with special emphasis on girls' education. The Fund has also helped a number of foreign universities with the establishment in Qatar and thereby heightened the local education.*
HRH The Crown Prince's program
Visit at Oryx GTL plant
Kl. 8.30
Crown Prince visits the harbor area Ras Laffan and will here be shown around the area. During the tour will crown prince display the Oryx GTL (Gas to Liquid) plant and hear about Oryx and Haldor Torpsøes cooperation. Oryx GTL plant is the first industrial plant in the world where one converts gas to clean diesel, and the technology behind the factory developed by Haldor Topsoe.
*HRH Crown Princess's program
Visit to Qatar Academy
Kl. 9.30
Crown Princess visit a local Qatari school that is part of the Qatar Academy, which consists of five schools. Schools offer instruction at all grade levels for students aged 3-19 years. At the school will Crown Princess among other things, visit a 1st class and have the opportunity to talk to students and teachers.
*The Crown Prince Couple's joint programme
Meeting with Emir of Qatar
Kl. 10:30
The Crown Prince Couple participate in the meeting with the Emir of Qatar, H. H. Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani.

The Minister for Agriculture and Environment, Eva Hansen. Will be replaced by the Foreign Minister, Kristian Jensen. As Eva Jensen is in a limbo in regards to being a minister. - Long story, that I'll save for the DRF forum, should it be necessary.

The Minister for Agriculture and Environment, Eva Hansen. Will be replaced by the Foreign Minister, Kristian Jensen. As Eva Jensen is in a limbo in regards to being a minister. - Long story, that I'll save for the DRF forum, should it be necessary.

I'm a little surprised the foreign minister wasn't going from the start, given the nature and scope of the trip.

I'm a little surprised the foreign minister wasn't going from the start, given the nature and scope of the trip.

The Foreign Minister was actually scheduled to go from the start. It's the Minister for Business and Growth, Troels Lund Poulsen, who is replacing the minister who resigned. He was scheduled to go to Qatar but now goes a few days earlier.

It's no secret that some Golf states, including Saudia Arabia, have an... alternative interpretation of human rights. At least viewed from the West.
It's also no secret that this visit is about export and money, so...

So the court has announced that M&F will not give an interview to the press towards the end of the visit, which is usual at such visits. Nor will M&F answer questions from the press regarding political issues.

Ekstra Bladet has contacted Lene Balleby from the court, who says:
"The Royal Family do not comment on political subjects. That they leave for the politicians and that will also be the case in Saudia Arabia during the upcoming commerce-offensive".

Q: But can't they just say no to go to such controversial places?
Lene Balleby: "The Royal Family is at disposal for the country and the government (this visit was actually hatched during the former government on request from Danish commerce). That means the royals take part in official visits and commerce-offensives where it is wished. And that's how it should be".

And this is where Ekstra Bladet is fair... The journalist concludes that if the DRF refused to go, that would be a political act, violating their strict political neutrality.
And if they say too much about the internal affairs of in this case Saudi Arabia, that could very well be considered political as well.

So we can hardly expect M&F to say anything apart from commenting on the weather and the scenery.

- And of course Frederik giving his government approved official speech.